randomquickness

I'm currently in the market for a diesel GL. I've been reading all through this section and appreciate all the information. I've seen that for towing y'all prefer the 320 for the full size spare and no run flats. I also prefer that but it isn't a deal breaker. It also looks like the adblue models are worse. I have seen there are a host of issues discussed and that they can be expensive to maintain.


All this being said, is there a year that is less prone to these issues? Or is there a mileage range where most of the common issues have already been taken care of? At this point I'm leaning towards looking for a high mileage vehicle with an extensive service history.


Any advice or information I may have missed? Is the general consensus that the '07-'08 models are actually the best?


Ironically I'm a die hard BMW guy but the X5 diesel with 3rd row is too small. My intended purpose for the vehicle is to tow a camper or car hauler and the 3rd row seat is a must.


Thanks!

BlownV8

I don't own either but do keep track of the models. Yes, 320 all the way. The reliability of the 320 definitely seems better than the 350 but neither are reliable or cheap to operate. Unless you are wanting a tow rig, go with the 450.

marc hanna

They're the same motor, just with different emissions systems.

Neglect from the previous owner will be your biggest expense. Airmatic systems are expensive to repair, so you have to decide whether the improved ride comfort is worth the cost.

On the 320 I would recommend disabling the EGR, it will improve fuel economy, power, and reliability.

randomquickness

yes, primary use will be towing

I'm no mechanic but diy most things and would tackle that myself if the need arose. Was that even an option though? I thought the air sus was standard on all of them.

marc hanna

There are two types of air suspension, airmatic and rear levelling. The rear levelling is on the rear only, and is easy and fairly inexpensive to fix and is relatively problem free. The airmatic is the active adaptive system on all four wheel and has the ride height adjustment option. The parts alone are ridiculously expensive for the airmatic.

BlownV8

GL only has airmatic. There is regular and adaptive systems. Both auto adjust the ride height and you have the ability to raise the suspension. Adaptive has some more settings and controls body roll better. The airmatic is not very expensive to operate or repair. Just go with Arnott on the replacement struts and airbags.

chsu74

Go to peach parts for diesel related questions and opinions. Better info on reliability there and much better DIY threads.

Basically the oil cooler seals, swirl motor and turbo inlet leaks are the three main issues. The three issues above can cost up to $5K to fix at the dealer. 2011s had a bad batch of timing chains. Otherwise just like all the other GLs and their typical issues.

I was going back and forth on keeping my 09 but after reading through peach parts, I am going to keep it as my airmatic is the only part not replaced under CPO warranty. Happy hunting.

randomquickness

Thanks for all the info gentlemen!


I'll check out that peach parts and diys for some more details. The only vehicle I'm really cross shopping this with is LX570 but I do prefer the interior and mpg of the GL diesels. It also doesn't hurt that they are cheaper to buy although planning for parts and maybe labor if something happens I don't want to attempt it may be a wash.

chsu74

You and I are on the same page. Except I was looking at Toyota Land Cruisers. Just need to make sure the Landcruiser is optioned with air suspension package. The alien/Darth Vader Lexus look is just too much.

200-250 miles on a tank of fuel vs 550 miles in the GL diesel was what swayed me to a GL. In retrospect, lower cost maintenance and higher resale value from Toyota would have been a better buy with my 6K miles a year in this car.

randomquickness

yep. and I actually prefer the 100 series but they are only rated to 6500lb towing. Then I also run the risk of modding the hell out of it because I would want to off road it...which is all fine and well but the need here is towing, not beasting the trails.